Courses Taught

Research Interests

The overarching objectives of my research program are:
• Improve nutrient use efficiency in livestock production systems through novel (e.g. low lignin alfalfa, BMR forages, and cover crops), greater and more efficient use of high quality forages in livestock diets.

• Although some scientific literature have shown that Jerseys may convert feed resources to milk components more efficiently than Holsteins, our knowledge about nutrient requirements of Jerseys and other breeds is incomplete. Thus, identifying differences in forage requirements and overall nutrient utilization efficiency between different breeds (e.g. Holstein vs. Jersey) is an area of considerable interest to increase the efficiency of milk production. In particular, I am interested in determining how changes in dietary forage concentration and type (i.e. corn silage, grasses, and legumes) affects lactation performance, nutrient utilization and excretion, between different breeds.

The outcomes of the proposed research activities will contribute to improving the efficiency of forage utilization by livestock (conversion of feed N and C into milk and meat) and reduce the release of labile C and N to the environment due to the inefficiency of production (conversion of feed N and C into animal “waste”). In addition, it will help protect air, water quality, and reduce consumer’s concerns about the environmental impact of animal production (e.g., carbon footprint of milk, and N-related water and air quality pollution from dairy farms).